Maytag dryer burning smell

Common reasons your Maytag dryer has a burning smell

The most common reasons your Maytag dryer has a burning smell are an open heating element, broken idler assembly or a worn drum bearing.

  • 31%

    31% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 24%

    24% of the time it's the
    Idler Assembly

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Drum Bearing

  • 26%

    26% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag dryer

Heating Element Replacement

An open heating element could cause a burning smell in your dryer if the element shorts against metal inside the cabinet. You may smell a metallic odor or wiring insulation burning when the broken element touches metal. When you smell a burning odor coming from the dryer, shut the dryer off and have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and examine the dryer. The technician will check the heating element and replace it if it’s broken.

Idler Assembly Replacement

When you smell a burning odor coming from your dryer, a worn or broken idler assembly could be causing the smell. A bad idler assembly won’t tension the drive belt on the drum properly so the belt will slip across the drum and get hot quickly. When you smell a rubbery burning odor coming from the dryer, you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and examine the dryer. The technician will replace the idler assembly if it’s broken.

Drum Bearing Replacement

A burning smell coming from your dryer could be caused by a worn drum bearing. The drum bearing normally prevents friction between the drum and the cabinet as the drum spins. When the drum bearing wears out, friction between the drum and the cabinet can cause remnants of the worn drum bearing to get hot and start smelling like burning metal or plastic. When you smell a burning odor coming from your dryer, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and replace the drum bearing if it’s worn out.

What to expect when you experience a Maytag dryer burning smell issue

How is the burning smell problem fixed?

Correcting most burning smell problems usually involves replacing the heating element, idler assembly or drum bearing. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer burning smell

When the dryer has a burning smell it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling Maytag dryer repair with a local Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

What to look out for with a dryer burning smell diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

If a Maytag dryer emits a scorch-like aroma, lint near the heater or a motor strain could be the culprit. Allowing it to run can escalate the risk of fire. Power down immediately and schedule dryer repair. Thorough checks secure both safety and your machine’s future performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Maytag dryer smell like burning?
A burning smell could indicate a clogged lint filter, overheated motor, or malfunctioning heating element. Clean the lint trap and inspect these components.
Could a clogged lint trap cause a burning smell in my Maytag dryer?
Yes, a clogged lint trap can cause overheating and a burning smell. Clean the lint trap regularly to avoid this issue.
How do I fix my Maytag dryer if it has a burning smell?
Clean the lint trap, inspect the heating element and motor for damage, and ensure proper airflow around the dryer.
What causes a Maytag dryer to have a burning smell?
A buildup of lint, a malfunctioning heating element, wiring failure or an overheating motor can lead to a burning smell. Regular maintenance is key.

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Glossary Terms

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.

A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.

A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.

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